By Isaac Stanley-Becker Isaac Stanley-Becker Reporter based in the U.K. Email Bio Follow April 17 at 5:25 AM The young people lined up as if they were preparing to receive communion, but instead of accepting bread and wine from the associate pastor at Impact City Church in Pataskala, Ohio, they spit in his face.
The nondenominational church prizes its impact on Pataskala, a small city east of Columbus, with a population of about 15,000. Its aim is to be “both relational and relevant,” according to the church’s website. “Although our approach is anything but traditional, we believe in and maintain a conservative theological position.
Peals of laughter and cries of disbelief rang out from behind smartphones, held up to document the brutal display. The associate pastor, Jaddeus Dempsey, summoned the students to spit on him, promising that there would be no repercussions. The invitation was part of an attempt to teach the students — gathered for the youth hangout — about the suffering endured by Jesus, as church officials would later explain.
The student delivered a powerful blow with his open palm, provoking yelps of laughter as the associate pastor withdrew slightly, shook his head and returned to face the next student. Another blow landed on his face. Another. Then another. “That’s enough, that’s enough,” students can be heard shouting in shaky footage of the Easter lesson gone awry.
The boy held the knife close to Dempsey’s back but hesitated. “Don’t do it,” a voice off-screen cautioned. Footage of the episode quickly gained attention on social media, drawing scrutiny from parents. The mother of a 12-year-old boy who had handled the steak knife told a CBS affiliate that she received a call from a friend, prompting her and her husband to rush to the church to pick up their son.
Dempsey, seated beside Ross in the apology video, spoke briefly, explaining that his intention was to show the students “how much Jesus loved them, and that I love them.”
Just because someone in authority tells you you can do something doesn't mean you have to do it. You alone are responsible for your actions.
1
I get where they were going with this, but it's probably something you should just act out. I hope the pastor's ok.
That disrespect is what’s wrong with our youth. My children would never do that no matter if they disagreed or not. This is also happening n schools to teachers. Parents teach your children better
The willing participants should be ashamed of themselves. I guess if he had asked to be killed there would've been at least 1 volunteer....in church.
antecedents were vandalized palm trees on Jesus entry, a feud with money changer family, proposed marriage to a prostitute on Passover, public sex with prostitute, drunken cursing, a fakir reputation for trickery, insult to pharisees/rich /poor/lawyers...litany of social disgrace
That was a particularly twisted Easter message. At he next service the church needs to offer counseling to the students for inflicting such trauma. What an absurd message to send.
This was a psychological experiment. If there hadn't been trusted adults in the room encouraging them to do it, this wouldn't have happened. These men have no business looking after kids after showing such poor judgment.
A few things of concern here regarding this “CHURCH”. Playing Passion of Christ could’ve sufficed. That a steak knife was soo readily available I applaud the young men who disciplined themselves, and am looking at those so ready to cause hurt, harm or danger as needing help
How’d that work for ya?
I think this pastor. I got rethink this lesson before next Easter. Did he forget how this story ends? It was not right to encourage kids to reenact horrible deeds which led to Jesus's suffering and death. Why toy with evil?
Lock them up
😲😳
Lord of the Flies.
What is wrong with you?!
The reports that the kids were laughing (nervous laughter?) is one os the more disturbing parts.
In another lesson, charges filed?
The pastor is a con man just like every other 'religious' person.
Usually have to pay for that kind of thing
Whaaat?
America right...
Oztiá!!!!!
WTAF? That is sick and wrong.
This is both funny and terrifying.
in catholic churches it's usually the opposite who get spit on slapped and cut.
Very sad! That’s not necessary to teach the meaning of Easter or what Jesus went through. The church needs to find its way
Who is doing it? Atheist Or Nazis?
I'm not sure what they learned about Christ, but now they know some things about their pastor.
So sad that people miss-understand the meaning..
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